Cybersecurity Tips for VARs

In today’s digital era, Value Added Resellers (VARs) face unique cybersecurity challenges. As intermediaries between technology providers and end-users, they are prime targets for cyber threats. A single breach can compromise sensitive client data, disrupt operations, and damage hard-earned trust.  Implementing robust cybersecurity measures can protect your business and clients from these risks. Retailers are becoming more aware of these risks, as security (48%) is only second to price (49%) for software buyers when selecting a product. Here are practical tips tailored for VARs to enhance their cybersecurity measures.

Inventory Your Digital Assets

Keeping track of all connected devices and systems is the first step in securing your business. Without a clear understanding of what hardware and software you manage, vulnerabilities can go unnoticed, leaving you open to cyber threats.

1. Start by mapping out all internet-connected devices and systems critical to operations.
2. Document details such as device locations, serial numbers, and access permissions.
3. Ensure proper disposal of sensitive equipment and data (e.g., hard drive shredding, secure wiping) before repurposing or selling hardware.

By maintaining a comprehensive inventory, VARs can quickly identify vulnerabilities, manage security risks, and ensure all assets are accounted for—building a strong foundation for cybersecurity.

Strengthen Cybersecurity with Passwords and MFA

Every account tied to the business is a potential entry point for hackers. Weak or reused passwords are among the leading causes of breaches.

1. Use a password manager to create unique, complex passwords for each merchant, and educate staff on best practices.
2. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods, such as a password and a code sent to a mobile device, making unauthorized access significantly harder.
3. Use clear language in end user service agreements when outlining security responsibilities.

Strengthening password policies and enforcing MFA can greatly reduce the risk of account breaches, ensuring that only authorized users can access critical systems.

Protect Your Network with Firewalls and Antivirus Software

Your network is the backbone of your operations, making it a prime target for cybercriminals.

1. Ensure that firewalls are enabled, on both the network edge and, where available, on internal devices (e.g. Windows Firewall) to filter out malicious traffic.
2. Invest in reliable antivirus software or endpoint detection and response software to detect and neutralize threats before they infiltrate your systems. Automated scans can help maintain security without adding extra workload.
3. Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for secure remote access, ensuring encryption and secure tunneling of traffic.

Regularly updating your network security tools ensures that emerging threats are detected and neutralized, keeping both your business and your customers safe from cyber-attacks.

Keep Software Updated

Outdated software is a common entry point for cybercriminals.

1. Ensure that all systems, including applications, operating systems, and management tools, are updated promptly with the latest security patches. Automating updates where possible minimizes risks while reducing manual effort.
2. Schedule updates during non-peak hours to avoid business disruptions.
3. Send out regular reminders to customers about updating Windows and other software, especially with major transitions like the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline on October 14, 2025.

Keeping software updated is an easy yet powerful way to protect against evolving cyber threats, reducing the risk of breaches caused by outdated systems.

Regular Backups and Data Encryption

Data loss due to cyberattacks, system failures, or human error can be devastating for businesses. Implementing secure backup solutions and encryption protocols ensures that critical information is always recoverable.

1. Regularly perform successful backups and test the restoration process to ensure data can be recovered when needed.

1. Encrypt sensitive customer data, backups, and remote access credentials to prevent unauthorized access. Use HTTPS and TLS encryption for secure communication.
2. Store backups offsite with redundancy and encryption to protect against ransomware attacks and physical damage to local storage devices.

Implementing a strong backup and encryption strategy ensures business continuity and protects against cyber threats that could otherwise result in data loss and operational downtime.

Risk Assessments and Employee Training

Even the most advanced security tools are ineffective if employees are not trained to recognize threats.

1. Conduct regular risk assessments and vulnerability scans to identify potential weaknesses in IT infrastructure. A cost-effective scanning tool is HackerGuardian. It has an annual subscription, is cheap, easy to use and gives you a good review of internal services on those IPs to tell you things like “Your web server is out of date and needs a patch”. For a more advanced option that is more expensive but can be used for your internal scans as well as on retailers; Nessus is a very good option.
2. Make sure all staff is up to date on the latest security training and implement a cybersecurity awareness and training program to keep employees up to date on the latest security requirements.
3. Develop and test an incident response plan to quickly detect, contain, and mitigate any security incidents. This will ensure that any training employed is effective.

A well-trained workforce is one of the most effective defenses against cyber threats, helping businesses prevent, detect, and respond to security incidents efficiently.

Ensure your POS Offerings are Secure by Default

When evaluating the most secure POS systems for clients, VARs should prioritize solutions that have the following cybersecurity features:

1. Eases retailer compliance by not storing or transmitting cardholder data (making the software out-of-scope).
2. Have features like biometric authentication, such as fingerprint sensors, can enhance security by eliminating password vulnerabilities and ensuring that only authorized personnel access sensitive system functions.
3. Comprehensive data encryption both at rest and in transit is essential to safeguard sensitive information from potential cyber threats.
4. Ensure that your POS provider offers a secure implementation guide and follow the steps in that guide when deploying software in the merchant environment.
5. Verify that your POS software reduces your risk by:

a. Offering a secure implementation guide.

b. Encrypting personal data (PII) by default.

VARs can strengthen their POS offerings by implementing robust security measures that exceed compliance standards while safeguarding clients against data breaches.

Cybersecurity for VARs

For VARs, cybersecurity extends beyond internal protection, it’s about honoring the trust clients place in you as their technology partner. By implementing comprehensive security measures, from robust account protection and network safeguards to regular software updates, systematic backups, and thorough employee training, VARs can both minimize risks and deepen client relationships. This dedication to security represents a vital investment in your business’s longevity and reputation.